Oh ok. Another question, does playing lossless format (flac) vs the usual release format (mp3/m4a) of let's say modern hiphop and Rnb songs, affect the quality of the bass?

As long as the bit rate is at least 128 kbps or higher, the bass should sound the same as lossless. The main advantages of higher resolution are in timbre of treble and instrumental separation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kharken

does adding an amp like the jdslabs C5 add significant difference to the bass if I use the denon ah-c300? Wouldn't the bass be overpowering?

An amp does not add more bass unless of course you are using the bass boost function of the amp. It just improves the quality of the bass, making it tighter and better controlled, and sometimes more powerful. It also improves imaging and instrumental separation.

As long as the bit rate is at least 128 kbps or higher, the bass should sound the same as lossless. The main advantages of higher resolution are in timbre of treble and instrumental separation.

An amp does not add more bass unless of course you are using the bass boost function of the amp. It just improves the quality of the bass, making it tighter and better controlled, and sometimes more powerful. It also improves imaging and instrumental separation.

I do intend on using the bass boost function.

I'll buy first the C5 'cause I have a PL11 with me and see how it performs. If it lacks with bass boost, then I'll buy the ah-c300.

I'll buy first the C5 'cause I have a PL11 with me and see how it performs. If it lacks with bass boost, then I'll buy the ah-c300.

The C300 will probably have enough bass for you, even without a bass boost, unless you're a really crazy basshead. If you want an amp just for boosting bass, you can't beat the Digizoid ZO. And depending on your listening situation you might not need the amp at all.

The C300 will probably have enough bass for you, even without a bass boost, unless you're a really crazy basshead. If you want an amp just for boosting bass, you can't beat the Digizoid ZO. And depending on your listening situation you might not need the amp at all.

I did consider the ZO2. But getting an amp, for me, is future proofing. I may need an amp in the near future. :)

Comparing the (C5 paired with PL11) and C300, the former has more bass with the help of bass boost, right?

The C300 will probably have enough bass for you, even without a bass boost, unless you're a really crazy basshead. If you want an amp just for boosting bass, you can't beat the Digizoid ZO. And depending on your listening situation you might not need the amp at all.

Yup.

Whoever wants MORE bass from the C300 with bass boost is asking for new ears! hehehe That thing is bassy as heck! (and I like it a lot! ;-))

I am a big fan of portable amps, but I consider using an amp with the AH-C300 completely unnecessary.

I wouldn't go as far as saying completely unnecessary. I do find that so long as there is no channel imbalance at low volumes or presence of any hiss, a portable amp helps with resolution and instrument separation. I will admit that it is subtle and sometimes unnoticeable with cheaper IEMs. I'm not sure if it would be helpful at all with the C300.

However, there is still a benefit to the bass boost function if desired.